Hays Police Department warns of scammer impersonating officers

Daniel Fair
·2 min read

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Hays Police Department said Tuesday it has received reports of someone claiming to be from the department.

A news release says the scammer is demanding people pay cash, Bitcoin or business gift cards to the individual.

The HPD says this is a scam that is going on across the country. You may receive a telephone call, email, text message, or a message on social media from a scammer alleging to be from a law enforcement agency.

Scammers may claim to represent local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies and will say there is a problem you need to resolve immediately, usually by sending them a fee.

Scammers often threaten fines, arrest, or other penalties in an attempt to scare you into immediate action. They may ask for money or your personal information, such as your driver’s license or social security number.

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Here are some tips the HPD has for avoiding these scams.

  • Don’t give into pressure. Even if the threats scare you, do not take immediate action. Hang up or ignore the message. If you think there is a possibility you have been contacted by a real law enforcement agent, call the agency directly using a non-emergency number to confirm. The non-emergent number for the Hays Police Department is (785) 625-1030.

  • Never send money to strangers. Scammers will ask you to wire funds or buy prepaid gift cards to pay the required “fines.” Scammers prefer to receive money this way because it is hard to trace. Plus, you will not be able to get your money back.

  • Guard your personal information carefully. Don’t share information like your address, social security number, or bank account information without first making sure you are speaking to a legitimate official – even if they already have some of your information.

  • Don’t answer messages from strangers. Don’t click on links or attachments in messages or emails from strangers. They are probably part of a phishing scam.  Block unsolicited calls and text messages immediately.

If you have concerns with a phone call you receive from someone claiming to be an officer, please call the HPD at 785-625-1030 to speak with an officer to verify the validity of the call.

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